Tag: control

The following information is from the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project. Please read and share the knowledge with others.

Physical and sexual assaults, or threats to commit them, are the most apparent forms of domestic violence and are usually the actions that allow others to become aware of the problem. However, regular use of other abusive behaviors by the batterer, when reinforced by one or more acts of physical violence, make up a larger system of abuse. Although physical assaults may occur once or occasionally, they instill threat of future violent attacks and allow the abuser to take control of the women’s life and circumstances.

The Power and Control diagram is a particularly helpful tool in understanding the overall patter of abusive and violent behaviors, which are used by a batterer to establish and maintain control over his partner. Very often, one or more violent incidents are accompanied by an array of these other types of abuse. They are less easily identified, yet firmly establish a pattern of intimidation and control in the relationship.